"For 2018, we look forward to enrolling many new Marketplace customers who will join the over 140,000 individuals who have already chosen UPMC Health Plan," said Kimberly Cepullio, president of commercial products for UPMC Health Plan. "Our plans offer great value, access to high-quality health care, and award-winning customer service at some of the lowest prices in Pennsylvania."

UPMC Health Plan worked closely with regulators in 2017 to evaluate the negative impact of eliminating federal Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) payments. While this change has unfortunately required substantial premium increases on certain Silver plans for 2018, the good news is that premium tax credits will also be substantially higher. Most consumers will see only modest increases to their actual monthly cost for coverage. UPMC Health Plan's Bronze, Gold, and Platinum plans also have much smaller premium increases for 2018 because they are not impacted by the loss of CSR payments.

UPMC Health Plan is offering 10 plans in each of its Partner, Select, and Premium networks, including at least one plan in each metal category.

Open enrollment for 2018 begins on Nov. 1, 2017 and continues through Dec. 15, 2017.

For questions about affordable coverage options from UPMC Health Plan, consumers are encouraged to contact us at 1-855-402-UPMC (8762) or visit www.upmchealthplan.com/coverage. Consumers can also shop on the healthcare.gov Marketplace or by working with their local insurance agent.

For in-person assistance, visit any UPMC Health Plan Connect Service and Sales Center at one of six locations: Logan Valley Mall in Altoona, Millcreek Mall in Erie, The Mall at Robinson, Monroeville Mall, Ross Park Mall, and South Hills Village in Bethel Park. For more information about the Connect Centers, visit www.upmchealthplan.com/connect-centers.